In preparation for the upcoming summer season when visitor numbers surge, Justin Beattie is hard at work creating quality leather products at Gagetown Knife & Leather. Nestled next to the popular Old Boot Pub on Front Street and overlooking the bustling marina, Beattie strategically chose this location due to the high foot traffic it attracts.
However, recent uncertainty looms over the fate of small businesses like Beattie’s and the community at large. The Old Boot Pub remained closed last summer for the first time in two decades, leaving locals and tourists disappointed. To prevent a repeat scenario, a collaborative effort involving business owners, residents, and boaters from southern New Brunswick has been initiated to raise funds through debentures. The goal is to establish a cooperative that would acquire the property and ensure its maintenance and improvement.
Nancy MacQuade Webb, the current owner of the pub and marina, supports the community’s endeavor but is also exploring other options due to unsuccessful attempts to sell the property. With the hope of finding a suitable buyer who values the marina and pub’s significance in the downtown area, MacQuade Webb remains optimistic about the future of these community assets.
The initiative to preserve the local establishments is spearheaded by individuals like Charlie McKeague, a key figure in the proposed cooperative. Recognizing the appeal of the marina’s amenities and the scenic river system, McKeague stresses the importance of local operation to maintain community involvement and ensure long-term success.
The proposed cooperative model aligns with Canada’s long-standing tradition of cooperatives, with Daniel Brunette from Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada highlighting their effectiveness in fostering community engagement and economic sustainability. The concept has garnered support from longstanding community members like Flo Greig, who sees it as a promising opportunity to revitalize Gagetown.
Amidst the collective efforts to secure the future of these cherished establishments, Beattie remains hopeful that the reopening of the pub will bring increased foot traffic and economic opportunities for the entire village. The community’s united front aims to not only preserve but also enhance the unique charm and economic vitality of Gagetown.
